Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr. (born September 27, 1982[1]), better known for his stage name Lil Wayne, is an American rapper. He met the Cash Money Records collective as a teenager and eventually recorded for the label. He was a member of the rap group, Hot Boys. Today he is one of the best-selling rappers in the world, which has brought him praise as well as disdain.[2]

He was born Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr. and grew up in the Hollygrove neighborhood of New Orleans, Louisiana.[3] Dwayne was in the gifted program at Lafayette Elementary School, and was in the drama club in middle school.[4] At age eleven, he met Bryan Williams, rapper and owner of Cash Money Records. Wayne recorded freestyle raps on Williams' answering machine; Williams would eventually mentor the young Wayne and include him in Cash Money-distributed songs.[5] He dropped out of school at age 14.[4] Wayne had a daughter named Reginae Carter with Antonia "Toya" Johnson, his high school sweetheart. The two later divorced.[6]

In an interview with Blender, Wayne revealed that one of his favorite bands growing up was Nirvana, including their song "Smells Like Teen Spirit".[7]